India could emerge as a major hub for regional aviation under plans being discussed with Russia that involve the potential supply and local manufacture of up to 200 aircraft, according to Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).
Speaking ahead of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), UAC chief Vadim Badekha said Indian airlines have expressed interest in two Russian aircraft models — the SJ-100 regional jet and the Il-114-300 turboprop.
“India was the first country to show serious interest in our aviation products,” Badekha told Russian news agency TASS, referring to discussions held during the Wings India aviation exhibition.
According to him, Indian carriers have indicated demand for between 100 and 200 aircraft, reflecting the country’s growing requirement for regional and short-haul connectivity.
Badekha said India could become one of the most important overseas markets for Russian civil aviation and revealed that cooperation is advancing with state-owned aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
He noted that UAC and HAL have already signed an agreement covering the possibility of licensed production of the SJ-100 aircraft in India.
If the project moves forward, the first locally manufactured Superjet aircraft could roll out within three years, he said. Badekha described an annual production rate of 20 to 40 aircraft in India as realistic and estimated total demand in India and neighbouring markets at between 200 and 300 aircraft.
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